[ad_1]
Sophia Smith stars as settled USWNT side stroll to comfortable, classy win over Nigeria – www.espn.com – SOCCER
The United States women’s national team had no trouble breaking down Nigeria on Saturday, winning 4-0 in Kansas City in the Americans’ first game since their July 18 triumph over Canada in the CONCACAF W Championship final.
– Report: USA 4-0 Nigeria
Sophia Smith tallied a brace before halftime to continue her great year for club and country, while Lindsey Horan added a goal to her contributions in addition to expertly patrolling the midfield. Alex Morgan added a second-half goal from the penalty spot.
JUMP TO: Player ratings | Best/worst performers | Highlights and notable moments | Post-match quotes | Key stats | Upcoming fixtures
Rapid Reaction
1. It’s clear that the USWNT have a consistent XI
USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski started the exact same XI as he did against Canada the last time out for the U.S., another indication that this is the group that he will move forward with on the road to the World Cup.
Your Most Trusted Casinos for 2023!
Dream Catcher is Live at Goldman Casino and Offers the Opportunity for some stunning wins up to 40x with Truly Live Presentation! Not Only That, deposit TODAY as a new player and get 100% up to £100 Extra Free to Play + 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead Hit Slot* LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Wild West Slots at The Fastest Paying Casino in the West!
Goldman Casino has been growing in popularity since 2016, making them one of the best go-to real money online casinos on the market. Goldman Online Casino is powered by over 30 of the best software providers, and its games are provided through an easy-to-use web-based platform.
Get 100% up to £100 Free and 20 Free Spins on Book of Dead when you Deposit!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
More Tried, Tested & Trusted Online Casinos - Available to Players in over 177 Countries!
SlotJar Safe Online Casino
Only the longest established UK casinos, All transactions 100% verified & monitored, fully regulated RNG's, Fastest Paying UK Casinos, Live-Chat and friendliest customer service, 177+ supported countries. 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Play Securely at LucksCasino.com
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Fishin' Frenzy Megaways (TM) is a Top UK Slots Game with Huge Rewards! Get the boats to come in and watch your stake multiply x£££ at Lucks Casino!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Lucks Casino has been entertaining the gambling masses internationally, since 2015, and continues to offer the finest quality table games with bonuses available throughout the year! Lucks allows you to play on mobile or desktop and cash out quickly in £$€. Players are supported in over 177 countries. Enjoy over 2,500 superb games from the best names in the business!
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a thrilling and engaging video poker game that has become increasingly popular among players. The game offers a unique twist on traditional poker and provides players with an immersive gaming experience that is both entertaining and potentially rewarding.
The Advantages of Playing Triple Edge Poker:
- Unique gameplay: Triple Edge Poker introduces a new twist on the classic game of poker, as players are able to play three hands at once instead of just one. This increases the level of excitement and increases the player's chances of winning.
- High-quality graphics: Betsoft is known for its top-notch graphics, and Triple Edge Poker is no exception. The game features realistic and detailed card and table graphics that are sure to immerse players into the game.
- Great payouts: Triple Edge Poker offers players the opportunity to win big, with payouts that are often higher than traditional video poker games.
- Convenient and accessible: Triple Edge Poker can be played on desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient for players to access and play the game from wherever they are.
- Exciting bonus features: Triple Edge Poker features several exciting bonus features, including the chance to win extra payouts and participate in bonus rounds.
- Overall, Triple Edge Poker by Betsoft is a great choice for players who are looking for a unique and thrilling video poker experience. The game's combination of exciting gameplay, high-quality graphics, and great payouts make it a must-try for any fan of video poker.
*18+ Only New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Established in 2014 and with over 2800 superb games including Slots, Live Casino, Roulette, Blackjack, Instant win and much more TopSlotSite.com is certain to have a game suited to your needs.
Play Online Casino at TopSlotSite.com Get 100% Welcome Bonus up to $€£100 and 20 Free Spins*. Enjoy over 1000 Online Casino & Slots Games NOW! t&c's Apply
100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Yes, Top Slot Site is a Gambling Slot Site Where you can play for Real Money and Get your Winnings with Total Ease. So Relax, Select from over 1000 Superb Games and Enjoy our Live Online Gambling and Casino Betting Mecca.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
GoldmanCasino.com is one of the leading online gaming destinations, offering players a wide range of exciting games and endless opportunities to win big. One of the most popular games at the casino is 20p Roulette, a classic casino game that has been enjoyed by players for generations.
This exciting game combines the thrill of chance with the excitement of spinning the wheel, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for an entertaining and potentially lucrative gaming experience.
Roulette is a simple game to play, with players placing their bets on the numbers or colors they think the ball will land on. The 20p stake means that anyone can enjoy playing this classic game, whether you're a seasoned player or just starting out. With the ease of playing from the comfort of your own home, you can now enjoy the thrill of spinning the wheel without ever having to leave your house.
At GoldmanCasino.com, you'll find a range of different roulette games, including European Roulette and American Roulette. The games are designed to be as realistic as possible, with excellent graphics and sound effects that bring the excitement of the casino to your screen. You'll also find a variety of different betting options, including inside bets and outside bets, so you can choose the type of bet that suits you best.
Another great feature of GoldmanCasino.com is the range of promotions and bonuses available to players. Whether you're a new player or a seasoned pro, you'll find a range of offers that will help you maximize your winnings. For example, the welcome bonus gives new players a chance to double their first deposit, giving them more money to play with and a better chance of hitting a big win.
In addition to the bonuses and promotions, GoldmanCasino.com also offers a range of safe and secure banking options. Whether you prefer to use your credit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer, you'll find a method that suits you. And with 24/7 customer support available, you can be confident that you'll always have help when you need it.
In conclusion, playing 20p Roulette at GoldmanCasino.com is an exciting and potentially lucrative experience. With a wide range of games, bonuses, and promotions, as well as safe and secure banking options, this is the perfect place for anyone looking for an enjoyable and rewarding online gaming experience. So why wait? Head over to Goldman Casino.com today and start spinning the wheel to see if you can win big!
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Welcome to LucksCasino.com, the ultimate online casino gaming destination! With over 2800 casino and slots games to choose from, you're sure to find your new favorite game here.
Our casino games include all the classics, such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat, as well as a variety of exciting variations of these games. We also offer a huge selection of online slots, featuring everything from classic fruit machines to the latest video slots with stunning graphics and bonus features.
At LucksCasino.com, we pride ourselves on offering a safe and secure gaming environment. We use state-of-the-art encryption technology to ensure that your personal and financial information is always protected. Our games are independently tested for fairness by third-party auditors, so you can be sure that you're playing on a level playing field.
We also offer a range of convenient payment options, including credit and debit cards, e-wallets, and bank transfers, so you can choose the method that works best for you. And if you ever need help or support, our friendly and knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7 to assist you.
As a new player at Lucks Casino.com, you'll be eligible for a range of exciting bonuses and promotions. Our welcome bonus package includes a generous match bonus on your first deposit, as well as free spins on selected slots. We also run regular promotions, such as cashback offers, prize draws, and leader board tournaments, so you can enjoy even more chances to win.
So why wait? Sign up to LucksCasino.com today and start playing your favorite casino and slots games! With over 2800 games to choose from, unbeatable bonuses and promotions, and a safe and secure gaming environment, you're sure to have a fantastic gaming experience.
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wagers are calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests void all active and pending bonuses. excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
SlotJar is your slots pay by phone bill and Online Slots UK Casino jackpots website – It’s not a new casino, it’s been established since 2014, and is one of the most popular slots sites for online and phone payment real money games. Play at SlotJar today and receive a great bonus when you deposit. Play over 2800 different games.
Get 100% Bonus Up to £200 Now!
*18+ Only Full Terms Apply.
Land the valuable symbols on this amazing slot and experience real JOY and the chance of almost unlimited free spins bonus rounds!
Top Slot Site is packed with over 2800 top slot games for you to enjoy. Get started at this fantastic slots site today!
**18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Lucks Casino is well-trusted and here to stay. LucksCasino.com takes advantage of a full suite of top-tier games, meaning you will always be fully entertained. Check out the deals on the site right now!
- Get 100% up to $€£200 Bonus Today!*
*18+ Only, New Players Only. Wager from real balance first. 50X wager the bonus. Contribution varies per game. selected games only. Wager calculated on bonus bets only. Bonus valid 30 days / Free spins valid 7 days from receipt. Max conversion: 3x the bonus amount or from free spins: £20. Withdrawal requests voids all active/pending bonuses. Excluded Skrill and Neteller deposits. Full Terms Apply.
Start Today: Play with Real Money NOW!
Book of the Dead Online Slot: Book of Dead is a popular online slot game that has become a favorite among many players. Here are some advantages of playing the Book of Dead slot game: High Jackpot: The Book of Dead slot game offers a maximum jackpot of up to 250,000 coins, which is a considerable amount that can be won with just one spin. Free Spins: The game offers a free spins feature, where players can win additional spins without having to wager any additional money. This can increase the chances of hitting the jackpot or other significant payouts. Exciting Theme: The game's theme is based on ancient Egyptian mythology, which creates an exciting and immersive experience for players.Andonovski said that these two games against Nigeria – and the Oct. 7 clash against European champions England — will be geared more toward getting this group further familiarized with each other. Those desired combinations were on display in scoring moments like Smith’s second, when Alex Morgan checked low for the ball, spun and played overlapping fullback Emily Fox in behind, with Fox picking out Smith for the finish.
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, MLS, more (U.S.)
Whereas chemistry appeared to still be lacking at times on the way to the USWNT’s regional triumph in Mexico last month, it was abundant on Saturday. Horan and Rose Lavelle provided the playmaking from central positions for the USWNT, creating passing triangles with wide players to pull Nigeria out of its shape and jump out to an early lead.
There are players currently injured who will have a case for cracking the starting lineup once healthy, but right now, it’s clear who Andonovski favors.
Smith was superb as a settled USWNT side strolled to a smooth win over Nigeria. Erin Chang/ISI Photos/Getty Images
2. No questions about the wingers
Smith and Mallory Pugh were exceptional for the United States in their flanking of Alex Morgan. Smith’s two goals give her 10 for her senior international career, making her the second-youngest player (behind Pugh) to hit that milestone in the past 20 years, per Opta.
Pugh did not show up on the scoresheet, but she provided a number of early crosses into dangerous areas and continues to do the unrecognized dirty work, just as she does for the Chicago Red Stars. Pugh tracked back nearly all the way to her own 18-yard box in the 9th minute to win the ball back and start a counterattack which should have led to more but for a wasteful ball from Fox.
The only real questions around the USWNT’s front line are around the re-integration of the injured Catarina Macario. On form, Pugh, Smith and Morgan are indisputably the starters — and arguably the top three in the National Women’s Soccer League MVP race, too. All of them have been in fine form throughout the year, but standout play from Pugh and Smith on Saturday was particularly encouraging for the U.S. after each had endured some frustrating moments in front of goal during the CONCACAF W Championship.
3. Fullbacks in focus as Andonovski searches for depth
It was a good day to be Sofia as well as Sophia. Rightback Sophia Huerta also played her best game thus far for the USWNT, playing direct roles in both of Smith’s goals without showing up in the official assist column.
The beautiful game lives here. Stream top leagues, tournaments and teams.
Sign up for ESPN+
SUNDAY, SEPT. 4
• Osasuna vs. Rayo (8 a.m. ET)
• Athletic Club vs. Espanyol (10:15 a.m. ET)
• Villarreal vs. Elche (12:30 p.m. ET)
• Valencia vs. Getafe (3 p.m. ET)
• Augsburg vs. Hertha Berlin (9:30 a.m. ET)
• Bochum vs. Werder Bremen (9:30 a.m. ET)
• Gladbach vs. Mainz (11:30 a.m. ET)
Huerta won the 50-50 ball at midfield, off Nigeria’s goal kick, to ultimately put Smith in for her opening goal. Huerta then made an exceptional recovery tackle to not only prevent Nigeria from countering off a USWNT corner kick, but the repossession then led to Smith’s second goal a few touches later. Huerta did well when needed on the other end, too, stepping in to clear a loose ball on Nigeria’s only corner kick of the half.
Fox, on the opposite side, was uneasy on the ball early in the match — including the ninth-minute counterattack when she chose to pass to the wrong runner — but soon got involved in more combination play, including Smith’s second goal.
Notably, Hailie Mace replaced Fox with 20 minutes to play. Mace is in camp with the USWNT for the first time in over four years, a necessitated by her form with the Kansas City Current (and injury to Kelley O’Hara). Fullback remains a position of need for the U.S. from a depth perspective, and Mace offers an attacking profile like Fox with additional physicality and more of a converted forward’s mind.
Player ratings
United States (4-3-3): Alyssa Naeher 6; Sofia Huerta 8, Becky Sauerbrunn 6, Alana Cook 6, Emily Fox 7; Rose Lavelle 7, Lindsey Horan 8, Andi Sullivan 7; Sophia Smith 8, Alex Morgan 7, Mallory Pugh 7.
Subs: Megan Rapinoe 6, Hailie Mace 7, Ashley Sanchez 6, Margaret “Midge” Purce 6, Ashley Hatch 6, Kristie Mewis 6.
Nigeria (4-2-3-1): Chiamaka Nnadozie 5; Michelle Alozie 5, Osinachi Ohale 5, Glory Ogbonna 5, Toni Payne 5; Deborah Ajibola 5, Christy Ucheibe 5; Uchenna Kanu 5, Rasheedat Ajibade 6, Gift Monday 6; Ifeoma Onumonu 6.
Subs: Blessing Demehin 5, Vivian Ikechukwu 6, Rofiat Adenike Imuran 6, Amanda Mbadi 6, Akudo Ogbonna 5, Nicole Payne 5.
Best and worst performers
BEST: Sophia Smith, United States
This was Smith’s best game in a USWNT shirt. She scored twice, pulled Nigeria’s back four out of shape both on the dribble in wide areas and with central runs, and did the work on the defensive side to press when needed.
WORST: Osinachi Ohale, Nigeria
Nigeria’s entire back four struggled and it was Ohale who frequently scrambled to organize the unit and struggled to make quick decisions, like when she didn’t step with Morgan on the USWNT’s third goal.
Highlights and notable moments
As highlight-reel cutbacks go, it doesn’t get much better than what Lindsey Horan did to Christy Ucheibe to score the United States’ second goal.
.@LindseyHoran‘s first of 2022 makes it 2-0! pic.twitter.com/KSFc3IEwIO
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
Team goals: This is the kind of combination play the USWNT needs more of.
One touch is all it takes for @sophsssmith!
@FOXSoccer pic.twitter.com/vq6rzk92AM
— U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (@USWNT) September 3, 2022
After the match: What the managers, players said
“I thought that we controlled the game, controlled the pace of the game throughout the whole 90 minutes but also I didn’t feel like we finished as strong as we started, so that’s disappointing. Something that we were going to have to address or work on and talk about in preparation for the next game.” — USWNT manager Vlatko Andonovski
“First of foremost, this is the best team in the world and in order to play on this team, you have to be one of the best in the world. She is a special player and she’s certainly developing aspects of her game that she maybe wasn’t special in: Ability to pop in pockets or to recognize those pockets and then expose the defense. For us as coaches, we’re happy to see that because it gives us another layer or gives us an opportunity to create strategy in a way that we believe we can expose teams.” — Andonovski on Sophia Smith
Key Stats (provided by ESPN Stats & Information)
– Alex Morgan (USA): scored in the 52nd minute on a penalty; she hs 119 international goals, 11 behind Kristine Lilly for 4th-most in USWNT history
– Alex Morgan (USA): 14th player in USWNT history to score against at least one team from each of the 6 FIFA confederations
– Sophia Smith (USA): scored two goals (14′ & 45+1′); she now has 10 goals in 22 caps tying Michelle Akers for the 6th fastest to double-digit goals in USWNT history
– Lindsey Horan (USA): scored in the 25th minute, her first goal with the National team since Nov. 27th, 2021 vs Australia in a friendly
– USWNT: 12th straight win in in all competitions, outscored opponents 50-1 over the 12-gmae win streak
– USWNT: Victory stretches its home unbeaten run to 70 matches (63 wins, 7 draws)
– USWNT: Ninth straight shutout, last goal scored against the USWNT in any competition was April 9th vs Uzbekistan
Up next
The USWNT and Nigeria will play each other again on Tuesday night at D.C. United’s Audi Field.
[ad_2]
#Sophia #Smith #stars #settled #USWNT #side #stroll #comfortable #classy #win #Nigeria